January 25, 2024

Louis Calabro

MVP PROJECT ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION SUPPORT FOR TEN NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

January 25, 2024

Louis Calabro

Ten recipient teams have been selected to receive music video production funding in the eleventh round of the Music Video Production Project, a joint initiative of RBCxMusic and the Prism Prize.

MVP11 recipients include:

Recording artist Nixon Boyd, Director Anne Douris, and Producer Gwenlyn Cumyn
Recording artist Quarterback, Director Dylan Mitro, and Producers Wellington Warner & Dylan Mitro
Recording artist Alex Nicol, Director Alexander Seltzer, and Producers Mark Delottinville & Nada Temerinski
Recording artist Kalaisan Kalaichelvan, Director Kalainithan Kalaichelvan, and Producer Scott McCuaig
Recording artist Lou Val, Director Keethan Krish, and Producer Emily Ryder
Recording artist Puma June, Director Arden Grier, and Producer Dorcas Ho
Recording artist Jillian Lake, Director Lester Lyons-Hookham, and Producer Maisie Thomas
Recording artist Kristin Carter, Director Eva Tavares, and Producer Sydney Knight
Recording artist Teon Gibbs, Directors Hannah Yang & Abdo Megahid, and Producer Darci McDonald
Recording artist Le Couleur, Director Jean-Vital Joliat, and Producer Graham Guertin-Santerre

July 6, 2023

Neil Haverty

Snotty Nose Rez Kids “Damn Right” named Canadian Music Video of the Year at the 2023 Prism Prize

July 6, 2023

Neil Haverty

“Fire Escape” by Dan Mangan takes home the fan-voted Audience Award

Toronto, July 6, 2023 - The Prism Prize, an annual awards event that recognizes outstanding artistry in music video production, announced the winners of the Grand Prize and fan-voted Audience Award today during a live screening and awards presentation at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. The $20,000 Grand Prize for Canadian music video of the year, selected by a jury of more than 135 creatives leading and innovating the Canadian music, film and media arts scenes, went to “Damn Right” by artists Snotty Nose Rez Kids and director Sterling Larose. The $5,000 Audience Award (supported by Stingray) went to artist Dan Mangan and director Lester Lyons-Hookham for their music video “Fire Escape.”

The 2023 Prism Prize screening and awards presentation, hosted by stand-up comedian Moe Ismail, brought together some of the top minds and talents in the Canadian music scene today. The evening paid tribute to the exceptional artistry showcased within the Top 10 Canadian music videos of the year which explored complicated and compelling themes of racism, discrimination, violence, sexuality, heartbreak, justice, and self-expression.

“The deeply engaging music videos that were created by the 2023 Prism Prize Top 10 artists and directors prove that the artform continues to reach new heights, and we are thrilled to have celebrated their incredible work tonight at the 2023 Prism Prize,” said Louis Calabro, Vice-President, Programming & Awards, at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Founder of Prism Prize. “The Grand Prize-winning video for “Damn Right” is the perfect example of this; offering viewers a three-and-a-half minute journey paying homage to the iconic legacy of The Beatles in a visually stunning and colourful way. Congratulations to Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Sterling Larose on their well-deserved win.”

In addition to the Grand Prize and Audience Award, the 2023 Prism Prize live screening and awards presentation celebrated the 2023 Special Award recipients, who are honoured for their achievements and contributions to the music industry, both in Canada and abroad:

Canadian singer-songwriter, Nemahsis, was presented with the Hi-Fidelity Award (supported by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters), established to recognize recording artists who utilize music videos in innovative ways;
Montreal-based director Aimé Irabahaye was awarded the Lipsett Award, established to celebrate a unique approach to music video art;
Montreal-based photographer and director, Adrian Villagomez, was granted the Special Achievement Award (supported by The Slaight Family Foundation) established to recognize an exceptional contribution to music video art on the world stage;
Award-winning Toronto-based director, Sara Elgamal, was given the Willie Dunn Award (supported by Telefilm Canada), presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music, music video and/or film production communities. As the recipient of this award, Sara received a $2,500 honorarium and was asked to select an emerging Canadian creative to spotlight during the Prism Prize live screening and awards presentation and to be the beneficiary of $2,500; she selected Toronto-based producer, Roya Del Sol.

All other creative teams from the Top 10 will receive complimentary memberships to the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, courtesy of Telefilm Canada. All Prism Prize Award recipients, including the Grand Prize, Audience Award, and all Special Award winners, will receive equipment rental grants in the amount of $2,500, courtesy of partners at William F. White International Inc.

June 14, 2023

Neil Haverty

Sean Leon, iaamSaam, and Skiifall selected as inaugural recipients of the Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant

June 14, 2023

Neil Haverty

(La version en franćais suivra)

Recipients were selected by a committee including Canadian hip-hop icon Kardinal Offishall and breakout hip-hop artist Haviah Mighty

Toronto, June 14, 2023 - Today, Moose Knuckles and Prism Prize, administered by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, announced the three recipients of the Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant: Sean Leon, iaamSaam, and Skiifall. Introduced earlier this year, this production support initiative aids in the creation of high-quality music video content from the Canadian rap and hip-hop community and offers recording artists the opportunity to receive up to $35,000 in funding.

The three inaugural recipients of the Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant represent a musically diverse group of Canadian rap and hip-hop artists who are redefining the future of this industry. Recipients include Sean Leon, a multitalented and prolific creator with experience in the music industry spanning over a decade who will be the “Ambassador” for this round of funding; self-taught creative and multidisciplinary audio-visual artist, iaamSaam; and Skiifall, who is rapidly consolidating his reputation as one of global hip hop’s most disruptive burgeoning forces. All three recipients, who are awarded the grant as part of a creative team along with a producer and director, will receive $20,000, with the Ambassador receiving an additional $15,000 towards their music video project. The recipient's full biographies and headshots can be viewed here.

The recipients for the Heatmakers Grant were chosen by the Selection Committee, a curated group composed of some of the top music and fashion industry professionals, including Canadian rapper, record producer, DJ, and record executive, Kardinal Offishall along with multi-award winning (including the 2021 Prism Prize Grand Prize) Canadian rapper, producer, performer, Haviah Mighty, recording artist and producer, Junia-T, Moose Knuckles Global Artistic Director, Carlos Nazario, and Toronto-based writer and creative consultant, Hazel Ong. With over 170 applications received from across Canada, the jury for this program narrowed down the impressive list of submissions to a shortlist of 25 following an extensive evaluation process. The shortlist was then shared with the Selection Committee, who determined the final three recipients that will receive funding from the first round of the Heatmakers Grant.

“Supporting emerging creatives has been a priority for Moose Knuckles since the start and we are stoked to be a part of the journey for each of these incredible artists at such an important time in their careers,” said Global Artistic Director, Carlos Nazario at Moose Knuckles. “It’s especially meaningful to be able to support artists in our home market and we hope this is only the beginning of continuing to uplift homegrown talent.”

“We are thrilled to announce the inaugural recipients of the Moose Knuckles x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant; this program represents our unwavering dedication to nourishing the thriving rap and hip-hop community in Canada, and we are so grateful to our dedicated and knowledgeable Selection Committee who helped us select these deserving artists,” said Louis Calabro, Vice-President, Programming & Awards, at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Founder of Prism Prize.

“Congratulations to Sean Leon, iaamSaam, and Skiifall for their outstanding talent and pioneering storytelling. We are looking forward to their creative visions coming to life and are excited for these videos to contribute to the impact they will continue to have on the music landscape in Canada and around the world.”

“Seeing how artists and their teams push the envelope of imagery tied to their music, and seeing how those stories bring a new context and life to the audible pieces, was quite inspiring,” said Haviah Mighty. “You could tell that time, thought and intentional brainstorming went into many of the treatments; and many of the ideas were quite unique. Overall, it was a reminder that we have so many talented creatives in the hip-hop landscape within Canada.”

The creative teams, who will be working alongside the artists to create the music videos funded by the Heatmakers Grant, are integral to bringing the visions for these projects to life. Sean Leon’s creative team consists of director, Jorden Lee and producer Imad Elsheikh of PIQUE; Skiifall’s creative team includes director Aimé Irabahaye and producers Zion Lipstein-Saffer and Joshua Rosenbaum of NeufCinq; lastly, iaamSaam’s creative team is made up of director Isabel Okoro and producer adé abegunde of local•global.

To learn more about the Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant, visit MKHeatmakers.PrismPrize.com.

Sean Leon, iaamSaam et Skiifall remportent les premières bourses d’aide à la production de vidéoclips Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x prix Prism

Le comité de sélection comprenait les stars canadiennes du hip-hop Kardinal Offishall et Haviah Mighty

Toronto, le 14 juin 2023 – Moose Knuckles et le prix Prism, administré par l’Académie canadienne du cinéma et de la télévision, ont dévoilé aujourd’hui les trois lauréat.e.s de la bourse d’aide à la production de vidéoclips Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x prix Prism : Sean Leon, iaamSaam et Skiifall. Lancée au début de l’année, cette initiative de soutien à la production contribue à la création de vidéoclips de qualité et offre aux artistes de la scène canadienne du rap et du hip-hop la possibilité de recevoir jusqu’à 35 000 $ de financement.

Pour cette première année, les trois bénéficiaires de la bourse d’aide à la production de vidéoclips Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x prix Prism constituent un groupe d’artistes de rap et de hip-hop aux affinités musicales variées, qui redéfinissent l’avenir de l’industrie canadienne. Sean Leon, créateur polyvalent et prolifique avec plus de 10 années d’expérience dans l’industrie musicale, sera l’« Ambassadeur » de ce premier cycle de financement; iaamSaam, la deuxième lauréate, est une artiste audiovisuelle autodidacte et multidisciplinaire; et Skiifall, qui complète le groupe, a rapidement bâti sa réputation de talent émergent qui vient secouer la scène mondiale du hip-hop. Les trois bénéficiaires, qui obtiennent la bourse aux côtés de leur équipe créative (composée d’un.e producteur.trice et d’un.e réalisateur.trice), se verront remettre 20 000 $ et l’Ambassadeur recevra un montant supplémentaire de 15 000 $ pour son projet de vidéoclip. Les biographies et les photos des artistes sont accessibles ici.

Les lauréat.e.s de la bourse Heatmakers ont été choisi.e.s par un comité de sélection composé d’illustres professionnel.le.s de l’industrie de la musique et de la mode : Kardinal Offishall, rappeur, producteur de disques, DJ et dirigeant de maison d’enregistrement canadien; Haviah Mighty, rappeuse, productrice et interprète canadienne récompensée à maintes reprises (notamment lauréate du Grand Prix du prix Prism 2021); Junia-T, artiste musical et producteur; Carlos Nazario, directeur artistique mondial à Moose Knuckles; et Hazel Ong, rédactrice et consultante créative torontoise. Le jury du programme a évalué en profondeur plus de 170 candidatures issues de partout au Canada, et réduit cette longue liste de soumissions à 25 artistes. Les candidatures retenues ont ensuite été transmises au comité de sélection, qui a déterminé les trois bénéficiaires de la bourse Heatmakers 2023.

« Le soutien aux artistes de la relève a toujours été une priorité pour Moose Knuckles. Nous nous réjouissons de contribuer au parcours de ces artistes incroyables, à un moment crucial de leur carrière », a affirmé Carlos Nazario, directeur artistique mondial à Moose Knuckles. « Il est surtout important à nos yeux d’appuyer les artistes de notre marché national et nous espérons continuer à leur servir de tremplin. »

« C’est avec joie que nous dévoilons les noms des premiers bénéficiaires de la bourse d’aide à la production de vidéoclips Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x prix Prism. Ce programme démontre notre engagement inébranlable envers la communauté canadienne du rap et du hip-hop, qui connaît un formidable essor. Nous remercions de tout cœur notre comité de sélection pour son dévouement, sa compétence et son aide au processus de sélection de ces incroyables artistes », a déclaré Louis Calabro, vice-président de la programmation et des prix à l’Académie canadienne du cinéma et de la télévision et fondateur du prix Prism. « Félicitations à Sean Leon, iaamSaam et Skiifall pour leur talent exceptionnel et leur sens innovant du récit. Nous avons hâte de voir leurs visions prendre vie et leurs vidéoclips contribuer à faire l’histoire du paysage musical canadien et international. »

« C’est vraiment inspirant de voir les artistes et leurs équipes repousser les limites de la création visuelle et musicale, et de découvrir comment un récit peut donner un nouveau contexte et une nouvelle vie à une œuvre musicale », a déclaré Haviah Mighty. « Il était évident que les équipes avaient consacré énormément de temps et de réflexions créatives à leur traitement; beaucoup d’idées étaient vraiment uniques. Tout ce processus nous a rappelé qu’il existe un nombre incroyable de talents dans la scène canadienne du hip-hop. »

Les équipes créatives, qui travailleront aux côtés des artistes pour créer les vidéoclips financés par la bourse Heatmakers, jouent un rôle essentiel dans la concrétisation des différentes visions artistiques. L’équipe créative de Sean Leon est composée du réalisateur Jorden Lee et du producteur Imad Elsheikh de PIQUE; celle de Skiifall, du réalisateur Aimé Irabahaye et des producteurs Zion Lipstein-Saffer et Joshua Rosenbaum de NeufCinq; et celle d’iaamSaam, de la réalisatrice Isabel Okoro et de la productrice adé abegunde de local•global.

La bourse d’aide à la production de vidéoclips Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x prix Prism est administrée par l’Académie canadienne du cinéma et de la télévision, un organisme qui, tout comme le prix Prism, a pour but de promouvoir et de soutenir les projets créatifs canadiens, tout en inspirant la prochaine génération de talents et en contribuant à son développement. En plus du programme Heatmakers, l’Académie canadienne du cinéma et de la télévision appuie le prix Prism et le projet PDV, une initiative créée avec le soutien de RBC Artistes émergents et visant à promouvoir la rencontre entre artistes-interprètes et cinéastes canadien.ne.s de la relève grâce à des bourses d’aide à la production de vidéoclips allant de 5 000 $ à 15 000 $.

Pour en savoir plus sur la bourse d’aide à la production de vidéoclips Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x prix Prism, consultez MKHeatmakers.PrismPrize.com.

May 17, 2023

Neil Haverty

Moose Knuckles and the Prism Prize join forces to provide music video production funding to Canadian hip-hop community

February 2, 2023

Neil Haverty

Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant will offer recording artists the opportunity to receive up to $35,000 in funding

Toronto, February 2, 2023 - The Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant was announced today, a new production support initiative launched by Moose Knuckles and the Prism Prize to aid in the creation of high-quality music video content from the Canadian rap and hip-hop community. Applications for the inaugural round of funding will be accepted from Friday, February 10, 2023 to Friday, March 10, 2023 at MKHeatmakers.PrismPrize.com.

Born through a combined desire to foster and encourage the next generation of great Canadian artists, the Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant brings together the Prism Prize, an annual event that recognizes outstanding artistry in music video production through a slate of awards, and Canadian luxury outerwear brand Moose Knuckles to offer crucial support for artists and directors working in Canadian hip-hop and rap. Each round of the Heatmakers Grant will offer support for three creative teams with up to $20,000 in funding for the production of their music video. One of these creative teams, consisting of a recording artist and music video director, will also be designated as the round’s “Ambassador” and will be awarded an additional $15,000 in production funding.

“Moose Knuckles has always been a platform for young creatives and this grant is an extension of that,” says Dominique Lagleva, Vice President of Global Marketing at Moose Knuckles. “We have been working with up and comers making noise in creative realms since the beginning and with Moose Knuckles’ Canadian roots, our partnership with the Prism Prize is a genuine way to support local talent.”

“Canadian rappers are responsible for some of the most culturally significant music videos that we’ve ever seen, expertly creating visuals that both entertain and move viewers,” said Louis Calabro, Vice-President, Programming & Awards, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and Founder of the Prism Prize. “We are thrilled to partner with Moose Knuckles, an iconic Canadian brand that shares our passion for fostering creativity, to bring this program to our homegrown community of recording artists.”

Exclusively focused on the rap and hip-hop community, the Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant will also prioritize recording artists and directors who identify as women, non-binary, LGBTQ2IA+, Indigenous, as a person with disabilities or as a Person of Colour.

Following the closure of applications on March 10, 2023, submissions will be assessed by both a Jury and Selection Committee composed of music industry professionals, recording artists, and filmmakers. The three successful creative teams who will receive funding from the first round of the Heatmakers Grant will be announced in May 2023.

The Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant is administered by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, an organization that shares the common goal of promoting and supporting homegrown Canadian creative projects while inspiring and developing the next generation of talent. In addition to Heatmakers, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television supports the Prism Prize and the MVP Project, an initiative created with support from RBC Emerging Artists which was established to promote the intersection of emerging Canadian Recording Artists and Filmmakers through Music Video Production Grants valued between $5,000 and $15,000.

To learn more about the Moose Knuckles Heatmakers x Prism Prize Music Video Production Grant visit MKHeatmakers.PrismPrize.com.

January 12, 2023

Info Prism Prize

RBC renews commitment to the MVP Project in support of emerging Canadian recording artists and filmmakers

January 12, 2023

Info Prism Prize

A joint RBCxMusic and Prism Prize initiative, round 9 will support 10 new artist teams with development of music videos, bringing their work to life on screen

TORONTO, January 12, 2023 — Today, RBC and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television are pleased to announce the extension of the Music Video Production (MVP) Project until 2025. The program, which launched in 2018, provides funding for emerging Canadian musicians and filmmakers to create and produce music videos.

This milestone coincides with round nine of the program, which has awarded grants to 10 diverse artist teams from a variety of musical genres and filmmaking styles. Since its inception, the joint initiative between RBCxMusic and the Prism Prize has awarded 97 grants to emerging artists, supporting the creation of 71 music videos, and surpassed $1 million in funding this past July.

“Amplifying new talent and showcasing diverse perspectives in music is core to the RBCxMusic platform, and we are incredibly proud to continue our support of the MVP Project,” said Shannon Cole,

Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “With each round, we continue to be impressed by the talent in this country and look forward to seeing the latest recipients’ creative visions come to life.”

The MVP Project, administered by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, is committed to supporting the Canadian music video community as they transform their music into video and reach new audiences. In addition to funding from MVP Project grants, selected artists also have access to MVP Labs, a mentorship initiative that offers guidance on the development of music videos, from ideation and treatments to production plans to budgeting. MVP Labs launched in 2022 featuring four behind-the-scenes sessions with artists and directors behind MVP-supported music videos, with more planned for 2023.

“Witnessing and experiencing how the MVP Project has grown over the past four years into an impactful aid that is helping our creative Canadian talent achieve their dreams has been incredibly meaningful and truly inspiring to witness,” said Louis Calabro, Vice-President, Programming & Awards, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and Founder of the Prism Prize. “We are thrilled to continue working alongside RBC to support even more emerging Canadian musicians and filmmakers over the next three years.”

Music videos supported by the MVP Project continue to make waves and receive critical acclaim. In 2022, the animated clip for Ouri’s “Oussature,” directed by Derek Barnscombe, was featured by the New York Times and garnered a coveted Vimeo Staff Pick designation. Desiree Dawson’s “Meet You At the Light,” directed by Alex Farah, received a SXSW “Best Music Video” win and a UKMVA nomination. Additionally, Amanda Sum and Mayumi Yoshida’s “Different Than Before” was named “Best Music Video” at Urbanworld, and was included as an official selection of the Asian American Film Festival, Aesthetica, and numerous other festivals.

The recipients selected for round nine were determined by a jury of industry professionals. Recipients include:

Recording artist Alaskan Tapes, Director Andrew De Zen, and Producer Adam Maruniak
Recording artist Casey MQ, Director Harry Cepka, and Producer Emily Rice Hillgren
Recording artist DACEY, Director Kevin Jin Kwan Kim, and Producer Daniel Lin
Recording artist Evan Redsky, Director Adrijan Assoufi, and Producer Jackie De Niverville
Recording artist KIANA, Director Sina Dolati, and Producer Shaghayegh Haghdoust
Recording artist Korea Town Acid, Director Yú, and Producer Lina Li
Recording artist Neela, Director Purusha Anokhei, and Producer Arri Dee
Recording artist Radiant Baby, Director Catherine White, and Producer Gabriel Roussil
Recording artist SULLY, Directors Alim Sabir and Okay Mojo, and Producer Michael Ren
Recording artist and Director Wild Black, Director Sara Alfaro, and Producer Yasmin Evering-Kerr

The MVP Project is part of RBC’s ongoing commitment to the arts community. Since 2003, RBC’s investments in arts organizations have exceeded $90 million supporting over 28,000 artists. In 2021, the RBC Foundation donated over $10 million as part of RBC Emerging Artists to over 185 organizations in Canada, helping to bridge the gap for more than 5,900 emerging artists.

Round 10 of the MVP project will be announced in the coming months, and eligible emerging recording artists and filmmakers are encouraged to apply. Follow RBCxMusic and Prism Prize on Instagram for the latest updates, and information on other RBCxMusic initiatives.

July 20, 2022

Neil Haverty

The MVP Project surpasses $1 million in support of emerging Canadian recording artists and filmmakers

July 20, 2022

Neil Haverty

RBC funding supports 12 new grant recipients, helping artists create music videos that showcase and amplify their talent

TORONTO, July 20, 2022 — Today, RBC and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television celebrated a milestone, surpassing $1 million in funding towards the creation and production of music videos through the Music Video Production (MVP) Project. This milestone coincides with round eight of the program, in which grants were awarded to 12 teams of emerging Canadian musicians and filmmakers. Since its inception in 2018, the joint initiative between RBCxMusic and the Prism Prize, has awarded 86 grants to emerging artists to support the creation of 58 music videos to date.

“Being able to work with likeminded artists to create visual accompaniment to our work is a blessing for us,” said New Brunswick’s Motherhood. “Music videos have been instrumental in promoting our music and finding a wider listenership. We love exercising the visual side of our creative muscles and we can’t wait to flex this video on y’all.”

MVP Project grants provide emerging talent with much-needed support to bring their creative visions to life, and a platform to showcase their talent. Many music videos supported by the MVP Project have received critical acclaim; most recently, Desiree Dawson's “Meet You At the Light,” directed by Alex Farah, won the Grand Jury Award for Best Music Video at SXSW following its coveted Vimeo Staff Pick designation. Additionally, the MVP Project-supported music video for Haviah Mighty’s “Protest,” directed by Kit Weyman and Chrris Lowe was included on the Top 10 shortlist for the Grand Prize at the 2022 Prism Prize, an annual awards event recognizing outstanding artistry in music video production.

“We are incredibly proud to have surpassed $1 million in support in what is only our fourth year of the program and to continue to help amplify new talent and diverse perspectives,” said Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “With each round of the program, the admiration our teams have for the talent in this country has only grown and we are excited to welcome round eight MVP Project recipients to this dynamic group of artists.”

“In the short time since launching in 2018, the MVP Project has grown to be an integral part of an artist’s journey, providing them with the necessary means to make their creative vision a reality,” said Louis Calabro, Interim CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “Surpassing this milestone in funding is a testament to the unparalleled creative talent that we have in Canada, who are expanding viewer experience with captivating and deeply moving visuals in the form of music videos.”

The MVP Project is dedicated to growing the Canadian music video community and to providing opportunities for creatives to connect in a meaningful way. In addition to receiving funding through the MVP Project grants, artists can hone their craft with development opportunities through MVP Labs, a mentorship initiative offering guidance to young filmmakers and artists around the development of music video treatments, budgets and production plans.

The recipients selected for round eight represent a diverse collection of musical genres and filmmaking styles, and were determined by a jury of industry professionals. Recipients include:

Recording artist a l l i e, Director Roya DelSol, and Producer adé abegunde
Recording artist Abigail Lapell, Directors Spencer Ryan and Jordan Hamer, and Producer Erica Metcalfe
Recording artist EJAY SMITH, Director Kit Weyman, and Producers Fela
Recording artist/Producer Chad Price, and Director/Producer Chris Evans
Recording artist Boogey The Beat, Director Brendan Barnard, and Producer Ryan Cowan
Recording artist Monsune, Director Nick Yim, and Producer Duy Nguyen
Recording artist Mah Moud, Director Ryan Fanseda, and Producer Luisa Cruz
Recording artist Ceréna, Director Kyisha Williams, and Producer Emilija Davidovic
Recording artist and Director D.W. Waterson, and Producer Devery Jacobs
Recording artist Zoon, Directors Mary Chen and Trevor Blumas, and Producer Nick Harris
Recording artist Avry, Director, and Producer Elliott Muscat
Recording artist Motherhood, Director Jordan Greer, and Producer Nicole Cecile Holland

The MVP Project is part of RBC’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives through RBC Emerging Artists. Since 2003, RBC’s investments in arts organizations have exceeded $90 million supporting over 28,000 artists through these programs. In 2021, the RBC Foundation donated over $10 million as part of RBC Emerging Artists to over 185 organizations in Canada, helping to bridge the gap for more than 5,900 emerging artists.

Eligible emerging recording artists and filmmakers are encouraged to apply for Round 9, which will be announced in the coming months. Follow RBCxMusic and Prism Prize on Instagram for the latest updates.

July 6, 2022

Neil Haverty

Mustafa’s “Ali” crowned Canadian Music Video of the Year at the 2022 Prism Prize

July 6, 2022

Neil Haverty

“Closer” by Khanvict wins the fan-voted Audience Award

Toronto, July 7, 2022 - The Prism Prize, an annual awards event that recognizes outstanding artistry in music video production, announced the winners of the Grand Prize and fan-voted Audience Award today during a live screening and awards presentation at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. “Ali” by Mustafa, who also directed the music video, took home the $20,000 Grand Prize for Canadian music video of the year, selected by a jury of more than 130 music and visual arts industry professionals. The Audience Award (supported by Stingray), which comes with a $5,000 cash prize, went to artist Khanvict and director Anjali Nayar for their music video “Closer.”

The 2022 Prism Prize screening and awards presentation was a celebration of our homegrown Canadian talent and the Top 10 Canadian music videos of the year which explored complicated and compelling themes of racism, discrimination, religion, political justice, death, and challenging societal norms. The show was hosted by comedian Hoodo Hersi.

Along with the Grand Prize and Audience Award, the 2022 Prism Prize live screening and awards presentation recognized the 2022 Special Award recipients, a group of multi-talented Canadian creatives who are diversifying and elevating the music industry, both in Canada and abroad:

Pop, R&B, soul and jazz band, Chiiild, was presented with the Hi-Fidelity Award (supported by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters), established to recognize recording artists who utilize music videos in innovative ways;
Toronto-based director Iris Kim was awarded the Lipsett Award, established to celebrate a unique approach to music video art;
Director and Digital Artist, Sammy Rawal, was granted the Special Achievement Award (supported by The Slaight Family Foundation) established to recognize an exceptional contribution to music video art on the world stage;
Multi-talented singer/songwriter and winner of the Grand Prize, Mustafa, was given the Willie Dunn Award (supported by Telefilm Canada), presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music, music video and/or film production communities. As the recipient of this award, Mustafa received a $2,500 honorarium and was asked to select an emerging Canadian creative to spotlight during the Prism Prize live screening and awards presentation and to be the beneficiary of $2,500; he selected Toronto-based rapper, Puffy L’z.

“In our tenth year of the Prism Prize, it is clearer than ever that Canadian creatives are continuing to take the art of music videos to new heights, offering compelling and emotional visuals for audiences everywhere” said Louis Calabro, Interim CEO at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Founder of Prism Prize. “Mustafa’s ‘Ali’ is no exception - the video is the perfect accompaniment to the deeply moving song, a beautiful tribute to Mustafa’s dear late friend, Ali Rizeig.”

Also announced at the event was an upcoming collaboration between Prism Prize and luxury outerwear brand, Moose Knuckles, with more details to be announced next spring.

All other creative teams from the Top 10 will receive $1,000 courtesy of Patron Partner, The Slaight Family Foundation. All Prism Prize Award recipients, including the Grand Prize, Audience Award, and all Special Award winners, receive equipment rental grants in the amount of $2,500, courtesy of partners at William F. White International Inc.

To watch music video work from this year's Special Awards recipients and Top 10 finalists, as well as hundreds of other eligible videos from years past, visit PrismPrize.com.

June 8, 2022

Neil Haverty

Iris Kim, Mustafa, Chiiild, and Sammy Rawal announced as 2022 Prism Prize Special Awards Honourees

June 8, 2022

Neil Haverty

The Special Awards recognize a group of groundbreaking creatives who have had a profound impact on the music video industry in Canada and abroad

Toronto, June 7, 2022 - The Prism Prize, an annual awards event that recognizes outstanding artistry in music video production, announced today the four multi-talented artists selected as the 2022 Special Awards recipients. These Special Awards honour Canadian creatives for their achievements and contributions to the music video industry in Canada and internationally, and will be presented at a live screening and awards presentation at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Thursday, July 7, 2022 in Toronto.

“The level of musical and artistic talent that exists in our country is second-to-none,” said Louis Calabro, Interim CEO at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Founder of Prism Prize. “In our tenth year of the Prism Prize, we continue to discover talent at a higher rate than ever before. Not only are these artists making some of the best music in the world, but they are serving to elevate our country’s incredible arts scene through music videos. It is very rewarding to recognize these creatives who are giving back to our industry in a major way, and we look forward to celebrating them on July 7.”

The 2022 Prism Prize Special Awards honourees are:

The Hi-Fidelity Award (supported by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters) recognizes recording artists who utilize music video in innovative ways; with previous recipients including Crack Cloud in 2021, Daniela Andrade in 2020, Clairmont The Second in 2019, and Grimes in 2018. The 2022 award is presented to Chiiild.

From Montreal, Canada, Chiiild has spent years honing a unique blend of pop, R&B, soul and jazz behind closed doors and just released their debut project, “Synthetic Soul.” Chiiild uses music to tell stories about diversity, ask questions about humanity, and unify people over shared personal experiences. Taking influence from music as diverse as D'Angelo, Tame Impala, Pink Floyd and Marvin Gaye, they’ve created an expansive timeless sound that is uniquely genre-bending yet still somehow reminiscent of something you’ve heard, or felt, before.

Established to celebrate a unique approach to music video art, The Lipsett Award is presented to Iris Kim. Previous recipients include Gennelle Cruz in 2021, Tranquilo in 2020, Soleil Denault in 2019, and Karena Evans in 2018.

Iris Kim is a Toronto-based director who appreciates the dramatics of a swooping dolly-in, a tight edit and juicy visuals. Her attraction to storytelling is driven by honest conversations, quiet and loud personalities and vivid moments, which is ultimately, the formula she exclaims, makes for one interesting film.

Recognizing an exceptional contribution to music video art on the world stage, the Special Achievement Award (supported by The Slaight Family Foundation) is presented to Sammy Rawal. Previous recipients include Jordan Oram in 2021, Bardia Zeinali in 2020, Lacey Duke in 2019, and Cherie Sinclair in 2018.

Director/Digital Artist Sammy Rawal has earned international attention for his original, hyper-stylized approach to image-making featuring bold colour, choreography, and innovative VFX. Sammy’s work is informed by a mashup of culturally diverse influences, fashion and hip-hop. He has brought his signature quick-fire style to commercial campaigns, music videos, 3D inspired video portraits, and digital installations for clients such as Cardi B, Lizzo, Kelis, Elton John, Reebok, Twitter, Axe, and Chanel. His work has been shown at the BFI Southbank, Art Gallery of Ontario, the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal, and nominated at the UK Music Video Awards, the Berlin Music Video Awards, and the Juno Awards. Sammy’s passion for LGBTQ+ rights flourish through his work and commercial projects; most recently, Sammy directed the social campaign for Dan Levy’s “See with Love '' eyewear which assists small businesses, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and entrepreneurs located in historically disadvantaged communities.

Presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music, music video and/or film production communities, in the lead-up to the presentation, the Willie Dunn Award (supported by Telefilm Canada) is presented to Mustafa. As the recipient of this award, Mustafa will receive a $2,500 honorarium and will be asked to select an emerging Canadian creative to spotlight during the live screening and awards presentation and to be the beneficiary of $2,500. Previous recipients include Leanne Betasamosake Simpson in 2021 and Laurieann Gibson in 2020.

Twenty-five year old singer/songwriter Mustafa Ahmed grew up fighting. He would do so firstly as a child growing up in Toronto’s Regent Park community, matching up with other children his age at the behest of the older kids from around the way. Somehow, it did not harden him. He would continue fighting, though now against stereotypes, as an adolescent poet dispelling notions of who Black Muslims from Regent Park were with every stanza of his continuously celebrated poetry. He would attempt to fight again, this time on behalf of his immediate community, as a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Youth Advisory Council, an effort that helped him realize his mission would be better served by amplifying the stories he’d collected over the years through song. And that is how we got Mustafa, child of Sudanese Muslim immigrants, one time Pan American Games Poet Laureate, cherished collaborator of acts like Majid Jordan, The Weeknd, and Khalid, and the artist whose debut project When Smoke Rises aims to exalt the Regent Park MC whose legacy Mustafa fights for now, Jahvante “Smoke Dawg” Smart.

May 18, 2022

Neil Haverty

10 Canadian music videos announced as finalists for the 2022 Prism Prize

May 18, 2022

Neil Haverty

Voting for the Audience Award, supported by Stingray, is open through June 8 at prismprize.com

Toronto, May 18, 2022 - The Prism Prize, an annual awards event that recognizes outstanding artistry in music video production, announced today the Top 10 Canadian music videos of the year eligible for the 2022 Grand Prize, as voted by a jury of more than 130 of the top minds in Canadian music, film, and media arts. One of these videos will be awarded the $20,000 Grand Prize, the largest cash prize in the world for music videos, at a screening and awards presentation on Thursday, July 7, 2022 in Toronto.

The 2022 Prism Prize Top 10

Mustafa - Ali (Director: Mustafa)
The Beaches - Blow Up (Director: Alex P. Smith)
Khanvict - Closer (Director: Anjali Nayar)
Debby Friday - Focus (Directors: Ryan Ermacora & Debby Friday)
Simon Leoza - La nuée (Director: Vincent René-Lortie)
Andy Shauf - Living Room (Director: Anne Douris)
BADBADNOTGOOD - Love Proceeding (Director: Jamal Burger)
Haviah Mighty - Protest (Directors: Kit Weyman & Chrris Lowe)
Chad VanGaalen - Samurai Sword (Director: Chad VanGaalen)
BADBADNOTGOOD - Timid, Intimidating (Director: Winston Hacking)

Mustafa
Ali

The Beaches
Blow Up

Khanvict
Closer

Debby Friday
Focus

Simon Leoza
La nuée

Andy Shauf
Living Room

BADBADNOTGOOD
Love Proceeding

Haviah Mighty
Protest (Ft. Yizzy)

Chad VanGaalen
Samurai Sword

BADBADNOTGOOD
Timid, Intimidating

All of the Top 10 finalists are also eligible for the Audience Award, which now comes with a $5,000 prize thanks to the generous partnership of Stingray; all of the videos can be viewed here. Voting is currently open, with members of the public encouraged to vote for their favourite video from the Top 10 through Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at prismprize.com.

“As we celebrate our tenth year of the Prism Prize, we continue to be amazed by the incredible talent that exists within the Canadian music video scene” said Louis Calabro, Interim CEO at the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Founder of Prism Prize. “Music videos represent a unique form of artistic freedom, and the groundbreaking works created by our Top 10 artists are a testament to our resilient and creative music industry.”

Each year the Prism Prize jury reviews more than 300 eligible Canadian music videos and votes to determine the Top 10 based on originality, style, creativity, innovation and effective execution. One of these visuals will be named the Grand Prize winner and awarded $20,000, while all other creative teams in the Top 10 will receive $1,000 courtesy of The Slaight Family Foundation. The Top 10 nominated filmmakers (directors and producers) will also receive complimentary memberships to the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, courtesy of Telefilm Canada.

Along with the Grand Prize and Audience awards, the Prism Prize annually recognizes a group of Special Award recipients who are honoured for their achievements and contributions to the music video industry, both in Canada and abroad. Recipients for the following awards will be announced in the lead-up to the 2022 Prism Prize awards presentation on July 7:

The Hi-Fidelity Award (supported by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters) established to recognize recording artists who utilize music video in innovative ways;
The Lipsett Award, established to celebrate a unique approach to music video art;
The Special Achievement Award (supported by The Slaight Family Foundation)) established to recognize an exceptional contribution to music video art on the world stage;
The Willie Dunn Award (supported by Telefilm Canada) presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music, music video and/or film production communities, in the lead-up to the presentation.

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The Prism Prize is a division of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television